The 2025-2026 school year is well underway, and many exciting new developments have been made on campus.
Specifically, Principal Kevin Mullally created a brand new way to honor hardworking students and faculty and staff members who foster community by lifting others up and being positive role models.
This new development is, of course, the new Illuminator Award.
Mullally tied the award to the school mission. “Our mission talks about the communal pursuit of excellence, that we pursue excellence not for our own sake but for others,” he said.
The award allows Marist students and faculty to nominate any member of the community. So far, the award has truly been embraced by the community. In fact, there have already been 315 nominations, even though the award has only been given six times.
Ninth grader Autumn Grenier voiced his appreciation for the award. “I really like how the Illuminator Award recognizes people who do good in our community,” he said.
Originally, Mr. Mullally was inspired to make the award from conversations had with people about what makes Marist School unique, and how we could highlight those features. This is why it is called the Illuminator Award; it helps to showcase the everyday compassion people show to others that is core to the school mission
The nature of the award allows for anyone at Marist to be nominated by anyone else. This approach ensures that the people who deserve to win the award are seen by the panel of administrators, including Mullally, Deans of Students Reilly Campbell, Steve Miller, and Nicole Salkaus, and Assistant Principals Molly Carlin and Kim Premoli.
Winners receive a special treat in the form of Crumbl Cookies or bundt cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes.
Throughout Term 1 and during the first several weeks of Term 2, the award has been extremely successful. Mullally was especially excited about the enthusiasm surrounding the award. “Our community has really embraced and leaned into the award,” he said.
Students and faculty alike love the new award, which allows those of us who selflessly encourage and help others to be recognized for all the good they add to our school atmosphere.
The new Illuminator Award has been a great addition to our school and will certainly become a beloved tradition.
